SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Develop an optimised work and resource schedule for a simple to moderately complex project 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243820  Develop an optimised work and resource schedule for a simple to moderately complex project 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Project Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Project Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The person credited with this unit standard is able to develop and optimise a schedule showing work and resources using scheduling tools and techniques. They will be able to gather or define activity descriptions, schedule activities, define and allocate resources and produce a schedule that optimises the timing of the work and the resources allocated. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Computer Literacy NQF Level 3 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard: Develop a preliminary project scope statement for a simple to moderately complex project at NQF Level 5.
  • Unit Standard: Monitor, evaluate and communicate simple project schedules at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Simple to moderately complex project can be defined as projects that have:
  • A high degree of stability, few uncertainties or low rate of change with regard to expected deliverables, phase contents, organisational process and procedures, legislation and team members.
  • Limited range of different methods or approaches relating to the design and creation of deliverables and end products.
  • Low to moderate impact on the environment and or socio economic elements; Moderate to low need to comply with legislation; Moderate number of stakeholders affected by or interested in the project.
  • Low strategic importance to the organisation or organisations involved; Not necessary identified in strategic plans.
  • Stakeholders, that are in agreement about the characteristics of the product of the project; Benefits of the project well defined and agreed.
  • Low number of different organisations participating in the project; A low number; and or wide variety of interfaces between the project and other organisational entities in order to produce the end deliverable.
  • Scheduling processes may include but are not limited to: activity definition, activity sequencing, activity resource estimating, activity duration estimating, schedule development, schedule control.
  • Scheduling techniques may include but are not limited to; Gantt or bar charts, network diagrams, activity on arrow/node, precedence diagram method, critical path method, resource scheduling and milestone scheduling, critical chain, lag, lead, fast track, accelerating, crashing.
  • Resources may include but are not limited to: people, equipment, materials.
  • Schedule management plan could include but is not limited to: the baseline schedule of work, alternative presentations such as Gantt or Network representations, risks associated with schedule, procedures to be followed in managing the schedule and changes there to.
  • Resource management plan could include but is not limited to resource description, resource category and/or types, quantities, availability, capability, resource calendars, activity resource requirements, resource risk analysis and management actions.
  • The schedule and resource management plans are incorporated into the project management plan and may be formal or informal, highly detailed or broadly framed, based upon the needs of the project. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of scheduling tools and techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose of using schedules on a project is explained with examples of the benefits derived. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process and techniques for developing a schedule are explained with examples appropriate to project type and/or project management needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of alternative start and finish dates on a schedule is explained with examples of their impact. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    May include but are not limited to early/late, fixed dates.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The process and techniques for resource planning are explained with examples appropriate to project type and/or project management needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    May include but is not limited to resource identification, allocation, loading and levelling.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The process and techniques to optimise project schedules in order to complete the work within project constraints, are explained with examples appropriate to project type and/or project management needs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Project constraints may include but are not limited to time, resources, nature of the activity/deliverable, cash flow.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Different ways of representing a project schedule is explained with examples of appropriate use. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Produce an initial work schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Activities are identified and described in terms of the work required to address the scope of the project. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dependencies between activities are defined and activities are sequenced to reflect the logic relationship of the work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Durations of activities are estimated, in consultation with experts, and/or in accordance with procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Time based work schedules are produced in accordance with procedures and in required format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Initial critical path is identified and explained in accordance with standard organisational procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and estimate resources for each activity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Resource requirements are defined by activity in accordance with agreed procedures and or standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Quantities of resources are defined per activity as per initial work schedule and in accordance with established procedures and or standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Resource availability and costs are researched and compared using agreed procedures and or standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Resource plan is developed and agreed with relevant stakeholder in accordance with procedures and in required format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resource plan may include but is not limited to resource category and/or types, quantities, availability, capability, resource calendars, activity resource requirements, resource risk analysis and management actions.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Optimise the work and resource schedule. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Resources are allocated to activities on the schedule according to resource plan, their availability, standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Potential resource constraints, conflict, under or over utilisation situations are identified and explained in terms of their impact on the project work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Risk analysis of work and resources is undertaken and documented according to agreed procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Resource usage and work/activity timing is adjusted to produce a realistic schedule. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Realistic schedule recognises project and work constraints and allocates resources for agreed and acceptable time frames.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Optimised work and resource schedule is agreed with responsible parties in accordance with agreed procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Compile the schedule and resource management plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work and resource schedule is base lined in accordance with standards and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Schedule management plan is produced incorporating agreements in accordance with procedures and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Resource management plan is produced incorporating agreements in accordance with procedures and standards. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard or assessing this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment to be conducted by an accredited provider according to internal approved provider policy and the relevant ETQA guidelines.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • An understanding of Work Breakdown Structure development and decomposition techniques.
  • Knowledge of activity estimation tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of sequencing tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of resource estimating and planning tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of duration estimation tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of schedule network analysis techniques.
  • An understanding of critical path methods.
  • Knowledge of schedule compression techniques.
  • An understanding of workload balancing and optimisation techniques.
  • Knowledge of computerised scheduling tools and techniques.
  • Knowledge of Brainstorming techniques. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems directly related to the development and optimisation of a project schedule. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others to insure that the process of developing and optimising the schedule and resource allocation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities in the development and optimisation of project schedule. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when working with project schedule and resource planning. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with all stakeholders when handling, processing, distributing, tracking, filing and retrieving project schedules. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology in the development and optimisation of project schedule. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems where this relates to the success of the project outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Terms, techniques and processes referred to in this unit standard are based upon recognised best practice for generic project management reflected in industry standards such as:
  • Standards from Project Management Institute (PMI®) such as:
    > A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK Guide), 2000 and 2004 versions, from Project Management Institute (PMI®).
    > Extensions to PMBoK® Guide from PMI®.
    > Work Breakdown Structure.
    > Earned Value.
  • Body of Knowledge from Association for Project Management, UK.
  • ISO 10006.
  • British Standard 6079.
  • IPMA Competence Baseline from International Project Management Association.
  • Project Management role delineation studies from PMI® for CAPM and PMP.
  • Project Management Competency Development Framework from PMI® 2002.
  • Emerging global performance standards for project management personnel (GPSPMP - Global).
  • Australian National Competency Standards for Project Management 2003. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58395   National Certificate: Project Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  58309   National Diploma: Project Management  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  64649   Higher Certificate: Early Childhood Development  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  65649   National Certificate: Official Statistics  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ABASUNGULI TRAINING SPESIALISTS (PTY) LTD 
    2. Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprise cc 
    3. Bakho Skills Development 
    4. BOLAND COLLEGE 
    5. Capricorn College for FET 
    6. Caversham Education Institute 
    7. CENTRE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT 
    8. College of Cape Town - Athlone Campus 
    9. Custoda Trust 
    10. Damelin 
    11. Damelin Correspondence College (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Directflo 
    13. DM Training Consultants 
    14. Early Learning Foundation Montessori Teacher Training 
    15. Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU) 
    16. EASTCAPE MIDLANDS COLLEGE BUSINESS UNIT (Uitenhage) (WA) 
    17. Edu-Prof Training Centre 
    18. EDUTAK PRE-SCHOOL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 
    19. FALSE BAY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING COLLEGE 
    20. Faranang Business and Training Solutions PTY(LTD) 
    21. Goldfields TVET College 
    22. Heirs Training and Development 
    23. Jabulani Training & Development 
    24. Katiso-kuno Consulting 
    25. Kgaka Kgolo Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    26. KHANIMAMBA TRAINING AND RESOURCE CENTRE 
    27. Klein Karoo Resource Centre 
    28. Loago Business Consulting 
    29. MASIKHULE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 
    30. MILZET CONSULTING SERVICES CC 
    31. Montessori Teacher Training Centre South Africa 
    32. Motheo Training Institute Trust 
    33. New Beginnings Training and Development Organisation 
    34. NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE 
    35. Northern Cape Urban College: Kimberley Campus 
    36. Northlink College 
    37. Northshore Trading 19CC t/a Makakhaunye Training and Development Agency 
    38. Reflections Development Institute 
    39. Right 4 u College 
    40. SANTS College 
    41. SERITI INSTITUTE 
    42. Siyahluma Education Institute 
    43. South Cape Public FET College - George Campus 
    44. South West Gauteng Tvet College 
    45. Sunshine Community Outreach Ministry of Youth With A Mission 
    46. Sustainability Institute Trust 
    47. Teachers Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Tembe Service Providers 
    49. Thasha Training and Consulting 
    50. The College of Modern Montessori 
    51. The Iscariota Group (Pty) Ltd 
    52. The Port Elizabeth Early Learning Centre 
    53. THUKAKGALADI INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT 
    54. Train 2 Teach (PTY) Ltd 
    55. Unathi Training 
    56. UNIVERSAL COLLEGE OUTCOMES SA 
    57. Visionary Skill Academy 
    58. Vuselela TVET College 
    59. WEST COAST COLLEGE FET 
    60. World Wide Education Providers(Pty)Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.